IND vs PAK: Brett Lee on cancelled India-Pakistan WCL clash - 'We pushed for it, but…'
The World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India and
Pakistan
was called off after several former Indian players declined to participate, citing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Former Australian cricketer
Brett Lee
addressed the cancellation during a press conference in Coventry, maintaining a neutral stance on the sensitive matter.
The WCL organizers confirmed the cancellation of the fixture scheduled to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham through an official statement.
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The decision came in response to the deteriorating relationship between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22.
When asked about the match cancellation, Brett Lee, representing Australia Champions, said: "That is a tough question.
But the thing I'll say right now is, I love India, I love Pakistan. So I hope that they can get to a discretion where they can appreciate themselves. But most importantly, we are here for a tournament. So Australia versus India versus South Africa — we are all inclusive. So what happened last night is what happened.
We pushed for it."
The WCL had initially announced the India-Pakistan fixture following a recent volleyball match between the two nations, aiming to create positive memories for fans.
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However, the decision backfired, leading to discomfort among Indian legends.
The organization issued an apology for any hurt sentiments and subsequently called off the match.
Former Indian player Dhawan revealed through an email to tournament organizers that the decision not to play against Pakistan had been communicated on May 11, considering the current geopolitical situation.
Dhawan later posted on X: "
Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon.
Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota.
" (I stand by the decision I took on May 11. My country is everything to me, and nothing is bigger than the country.)
In the previous edition of the WCL, India Champions had emerged victorious against Pakistan in the final, successfully chasing down a target of 157 runs to claim the title with a five-wicket win.
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